E Visa - Start or Purchase a Business

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Your Guide to the E Visa: Turning Your U.S. Business Dreams into Reality

So, you’ve got a big idea—maybe it’s a revolutionary product, a unique service, or a brilliant business model that you’re convinced will take the U.S. by storm. Or perhaps you’ve found the perfect American business to purchase, and you’re ready to take the reins and steer it to new heights. Either way, you’re not just dreaming big—you’re ready to make those dreams a reality. But before you can start brainstorming your company’s logo or deciding between New York or California, there’s one crucial step: securing an E visa. And that’s where we come in. Welcome to Dream Legal, where we make navigating U.S. immigration law as smooth as your future business’s operations (and maybe even a little fun).

What’s an E Visa, Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics: The E visa is your golden ticket to starting or buying a business in the United States. There are two main types of E visas:

E-1 Treaty Trader Visa: If your business involves significant trade between your home country and the U.S., this is the visa for you. Think of it as your pass to keep the goods, services, or tech flowing across borders while you base your operations in the land of opportunity.

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: This one’s for the entrepreneurs and investors out there. If you’re planning to invest a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business—whether you’re starting something from scratch or buying an existing company—the E-2 visa is your ticket to making it happen.

Both visas require that your home country has a treaty of commerce and navigation with the U.S., and that you’re coming to the U.S. to develop and direct your investment or trade operations. In other words, you’re the big boss, the head honcho, the one making the important decisions. And yes, that sounds pretty cool, doesn’t it?

A list of Treaty Countries can be found at the bottom of this page.

The Investment: Show Me the Money (But Not Too Much, Not Too Little)

Now, let’s talk about the “substantial investment” part. The U.S. government wants to see that you’re serious about your business venture. But here’s the good news: There’s no fixed dollar amount that qualifies as “substantial.” It all depends on the nature of your business and what’s reasonable for getting it off the ground or keeping it running smoothly.

Think of it like Goldilocks—your investment needs to be just right. Too little, and the government might not believe you’re serious. Too much, and, well, your wallet might feel the pinch. At Dream Legal, we’ll help you figure out the sweet spot, making sure your investment meets the requirements without giving you financial indigestion.

The Application Process: Let’s Get This Show on the Road

Once you’ve got your investment lined up, it’s time to apply for your E visa. The process starts with filing the appropriate forms and providing all the supporting documents that show your investment is legit, your business plan is solid, and you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work. This might sound like a lot of paperwork, but don’t worry—we’re experts at turning piles of forms into smooth, successful visa applications.

At Dream Legal, we’ll guide you through every step, from gathering the necessary documents (think business plans, financial projections, and proof of your investment) to filling out the forms correctly and submitting your application. We’re here to make sure your application is as polished as your business pitch, so you can focus on the exciting stuff—like deciding where to set up shop and planning your grand opening.

The Interview: Time to Shine

After your application is submitted, you’ll be scheduled for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. This is where you get to showcase your business acumen, your investment strategy, and your overall awesomeness. The consular officer will want to know that you’re genuinely invested in your U.S. business venture and that you’ve got a solid plan for making it a success.

But don’t let the word “interview” freak you out—it’s really just a chance to talk about something you’re passionate about: your business! At Dream Legal, we’ll help you prepare for the interview so you can walk in with confidence, armed with all the right answers and a few extra documents just in case. We want you to leave that interview feeling like you just nailed the biggest pitch of your life—because, in a way, you did!

The Benefits: Making the U.S. Your Business Playground

Once your E visa is approved, you’ll be able to live in the U.S. and manage your business hands-on. But that’s not all—your spouse can come along for the adventure with an E visa too, and they can even apply for work authorization. Your children under 21 can join you as well, and they can attend school in the U.S. It’s a win-win for the whole family.

Plus, the E visa is renewable as long as your business remains viable, so you can continue growing your empire for as long as you like. And who knows? Today it’s one business—tomorrow it’s an entire franchise.

Why Choose Dream Legal?

At Dream Legal, we understand that starting or buying a business is a big deal—especially when it’s in a new country. We’re here to make the E visa process as straightforward and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on what you do best: building a successful business. We combine our legal expertise with a down-to-earth, personable approach, making sure you feel supported and informed every step of the way.

So, if you’re ready to take the plunge and start your U.S. business journey, give us a call at 954-574-2111. Let’s work together to make your American business dream a reality—because at Dream Legal, we’re all about turning big ideas into even bigger successes.

A list of countries that qualify for this type of Visa

Treaty Countries, updated as of August 1 2024.  An up-to date list can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.

Country Classification Entered into Force
Albania E-2 4-Jan-98
Argentina E-1 December 20, 1854
Argentina E-2 December 20, 1854
Armenia E-2 29-Mar-96
Australia E-1 16-Dec-91
Australia E-2 27-Dec-91
Australia [12] E-3 2-Sep-05
Austria E-1 27-May-31
Austria E-2 27-May-31
Azerbaijan E-2 2-Aug-01
Bahrain E-2 30-May-01
Bangladesh E-2 25-Jul-89
Belgium E-1 3-Oct-63
Belgium E-2 3-Oct-63
Bolivia E-1 November 09, 1862
Bolivia [13] E-2 6-Jun-01
Bosnia and Herzegovina [11] E-1 15-Nov-82
Bosnia and Herzegovina [11] E-2 15-Nov-82
Brunei E-1 7/11/1853
Bulgaria E-2 6/2/54
Cameroon E-2 6-Apr-89
Canada E-1 1-Jan-94
Canada E-2 1-Jan-94
Chile E-1 1-Jan-04
Chile E-2 1-Jan-04
China (Taiwan) [1] E-1 30-Nov-48
China (Taiwan) [1] E-2 30-Nov-48
Colombia E-1 10-Jun-48
Colombia E-2 10-Jun-48
Congo (Brazzaville) E-2 13-Aug-94
Congo (Kinshasa) E-2 28-Jul-89
Costa Rica E-1 May 26, 1852
Costa Rica E-2 May 26, 1852
Croatia [11] E-1 15-Nov-82
Croatia [11] E-2 15-Nov-82
Czech Republic [2] E-2 1-Jan-93
Denmark [3] E-1 30-Jul-61
Denmark E-2 10-Dec-08
Ecuador [14] E-2 11-May-97
Egypt E-2 27-Jun-92
Estonia E-1 22-May-26
Estonia E-2 16-Feb-97
Ethiopia E-1 8-Oct-53
Ethiopia E-2 8-Oct-53
Finland E-1 10-Aug-34
Finland E-2 1-Dec-92
France [4] E-1 21-Dec-60
France [4] E-2 21-Dec-60
Georgia E-2 17-Aug-97
Germany E-1 14-Jul-56
Germany E-2 14-Jul-56
Greece E-1 13-Oct-54
Grenada E-2 3-Mar-89
Honduras E-1 19-Jul-28
Honduras E-2 19-Jul-28
Ireland E-1 14-Sep-50
Ireland E-2 18-Nov-92
Israel [15] E-1 3-Apr-54
Israel [15] E-2 1-May-19
Italy E-1 26-Jul-49
Italy E-2 26-Jul-49
Jamaica E-2 7-Mar-97
Japan [5] E-1 30-Oct-53
Japan [5] E-2 30-Oct-53
Jordan E-1 17-Dec-01
Jordan E-2 17-Dec-01
Kazakhstan E-2 12-Jan-94
Korea (South) E-1 7-Nov-57
Korea (South) E-2 7-Nov-57
Kosovo [11] E-1 November 15, 1882
Kosovo [11] E-2 November 15, 1882
Kyrgyzstan E-2 12-Jan-94
Latvia E-1 25-Jul-28
Latvia E-2 26-Dec-96
Liberia E-1 21-Nov-39
Liberia E-2 21-Nov-39
Lithuania E-2 22-Nov-01
Luxembourg E-1 28-Mar-63
Luxembourg E-2 28-Mar-63
Macedonia [11] E-1 15-Nov-82
Macedonia [11] E-2 15-Nov-82
Mexico E-1 1-Jan-94
Mexico E-2 1-Jan-94
Moldova E-2 25-Nov-94
Mongolia E-2 1-Jan-97
Montenegro [11] E-1 November 15, 1882
Montenegro [11] E-2 November 15, 1882
Morocco E-2 29-May-91
Netherlands [6] E-1 5-Dec-57
Netherlands [6] E-2 5-Dec-57
New Zealand [16] E1 10-Jun-19
New Zealand [16] E2 10-Jun-19
Norway [7] E-1 18-Jan-28
Norway [7] E-2 18-Jan-28
Oman E-1 11-Jun-60
Oman E-2 11-Jun-60
Pakistan E-1 12-Feb-61
Pakistan E-2 12-Feb-61
Panama E-2 30-May-91
Paraguay E-1 March 07, 1860
Paraguay E-2 March 07, 1860
Philippines E-1 6-Sep-55
Philippines E-2 6-Sep-55
Poland E-1 6-Aug-94
Poland E-2 6-Aug-94
Romania E-2 15-Jan-94
Senegal E-2 25-Oct-90
Serbia [11] E-1 November 15,1882
Serbia [11] E-2 November 15,1882
Singapore E-1 1-Jan-04
Singapore E-2 1-Jan-04
Slovak Republic [2] E-2 1-Jan-93
Slovenia [11] E-1 15-Nov-82
Slovenia [11] E-2 15-Nov-82
Spain [8] E-1 14-Apr-03
Spain [8] E-2 14-Apr-03
Sri Lanka E-2 1-May-93
Suriname [9] E-1 10-Feb-63
Suriname [9] E-2 10-Feb-63
Sweden E-1 20-Feb-92
Sweden E-2 20-Feb-92
Switzerland E-1 November 08, 1855
Switzerland E-2 November 08, 1855
Thailand E-1 8-Jun-68
Thailand E-2 8-Jun-68
Togo E-1 5-Feb-67
Togo E-2 5-Feb-67
Trinidad & Tobago E-2 26-Dec-96
Tunisia E-2 7-Feb-93
Turkey E-1 15-Feb-33
Turkey E-2 18-May-90
Ukraine E-2 16-Nov-96
United Kingdom [10] E-1 July 03, 1815
United Kingdom [10] E-2 July 03, 1815
Yugoslavia [11] E-1 November 15, 1882
Yugoslavia [11] E-2 November 15, 1882

Country Specific Footnotes

  1. China (Taiwan) - Pursuant to Section 6 of the Taiwan Relations Act, (TRA) Public Law 96-8, 93 Stat, 14, and Executive Order 12143, 44 F.R. 37191, this agreement which was concluded with the Taiwan authorities prior to January 01, 1979, is administered on a nongovernmental basis by the American Institute in Taiwan, a nonprofit District of Columbia corporation, and constitutes neither recognition of the Taiwan authorities nor the continuation of any official relationship with Taiwan.
  2. Czech Republic and Slovak Republic - The Treaty with the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic entered into force on December 19, 1992; entered into force for the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic as separate states on January 01, 1993.
  3. Denmark - The Treaty which entered into force on July 30, 1961, does not apply to Greenland.
  4. France - The Treaty which entered into force on December 21, 1960, applies to the departments of Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana and Reunion.
  5. Japan - The Treaty which entered into force on October 30, 1953, was made applicable to the Bonin Islands on June 26, 1968, and to the Ryukyu Islands on May 15, 1972.
  6. Netherlands - The Treaty which entered into force on December 05, 1957, is applicable to Aruba and Netherlands Antilles.
  7. Norway - The Treaty which entered into force on September 13, 1932, does not apply to Svalbard (Spitzbergen and certain lesser islands).
  8. Spain - The Treaty which entered into force on April 14, 1903, is applicable to all territories.
  9. Suriname - The Treaty with the Netherlands which entered into force December 05, 1957, was made applicable to Suriname on February 10, 1963.
  10. United Kingdom - The Convention which entered into force on July 03, 1815, applies only to British territory in Europe (the British Isles (except the Republic of Ireland), the Channel Islands and Gibraltar) and to "inhabitants" of such territory. This term, as used in the Convention, means "one who resides actually and permanently in a given place, and has his domicile there." Also, in order to qualify for treaty trader or treaty investor status under this treaty, the alien must be a national of the United Kingdom. Individuals having the nationality of members of the Commonwealth other than the United Kingdom do not qualify for treaty trader or treaty investor status under this treaty.
  11. Yugoslavia - The U.S. view is that the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) has dissolved and that the successors that formerly made up the SFRY - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Republic of Macedonia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo a continue to be bound by the treaty in force with the SFRY and the time of dissolution.
  12. The E-3 visa is for nationals of the Commonwealth of Australia who wish to enter the United States to perform services in a "specialty occupation." The term "specialty occupation" means an occupation that requires theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States. The definition is the same as the Immigration and Nationality Act definition of an H-1B specialty occupation.
  13. Bolivia - Bolivian nationals with qualifying investments in place in the United States by June 10, 2012 continue to be entitled to E-2 classification until June 10, 2022.  The only nationals of Bolivia (other than those qualifying for derivative status based on a familial relationship to an E-2 principal alien) who may qualify for E-2 visas at this time are those applicants who are coming to the United States to engage in E-2 activity in furtherance of covered investments established or acquired prior to June 10, 2012.
  14. Ecuadorian nationals with qualifying investments in place in the United States by May 18, 2018 continue to be entitled to E-2 classification until May 18, 2028. The only nationals of Ecuador (other than those qualifying for derivative status based on a familial relationship to an E-2 principal alien) who may qualify for E-2 visas at this time are those applicants who are coming to the United States to engage in E-2 activity in furtherance of covered investments established or acquired prior to May 18, 2018.
  15. Israel: Pursuant to a treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation between the United States and Israel that entered into force on April 3, 1954 entitled nationals of Israel to E-1 status for treaty trader purposes. Nationals of Israel are not entitled to E-2 classification for treaty investor purposes under that treaty. Public Law 112-130 (June 8, 2012), accords nationals of Israel E-2 status for treaty investor purposes if the Government of Israel provides similar nonimmigrant status to nationals of the United States. The Department has confirmed that Israel offers reciprocal treaty investor treatment to U.S. nationals and E-2 visa may be issued to nationals of Israel beginning on May 1, 2019.
  16. New Zealand: Public Law 115-226, enacted on August 1, 2018, accorded nationals of New Zealand to E-1 and E-2 status for treaty trader/treaty investor purposes if the Government of New Zealand provides similar nonimmigrant status to nationals of the United States. The Department has confirmed that New Zealand offers similar nonimmigrant status to U.S. nationals and E visas may be issued to nationals of New Zealand beginning on June 10, 2019.